Cal Poly Women’s Soccer got back into the victory column in a 2-0 win over CSUN at Matador Soccer Game Field on Thursday.
Head coach Alex Crozier has focused on two aspects of the game recently: finishing and defense on set pieces.
The Mustangs (4-8-3, 2-3-1 Big West) succeeded in both avenues, dominating the game against the Matadors (4-10-2, 2-3-2 Big West).
Cal Poly took advantage of its scoring opportunities, and defended well on CSUN’s six corner kicks.
Early in the match, junior forward Jesse Halladay crossed the ball into the box for senior forward/midfielder Kate Reedy to tap in, giving the Mustangs the 1-0 lead.
Halladay also added a goal onto her statline, finding the net in the 48th minute off of a cross from senior forward Emily Nedom.
On defense, Cal Poly has struggled defending against set pieces this season, and it was apparent in a 2-0 loss against UC Irvine on Oct. 3, in which they conceded two goals on corners.
This game, the Mustangs were much more prepared, shutting down the Matadors despite them earning six corner kicks.
Senior goalkeeper Mackenzie Samuel notched seven saves on the night, and earned her third clean sheet of the season.
The win keeps Cal Poly at ninth place in the Big West conference, but the Mustangs have gained ground as both CSUN and Fullerton, who sit ahead of them, took losses.
Cal Poly will look to continue climbing the standings as they head to Cal State Bakersfield for a match against the Roadrunners on Sunday, Oct. 20th at 12 p.m.